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Hey … there’s a new cow in town. It might look like the same old cow, but I recently read that the John Cow website is under new ownership. Funny … I drop on over there occasionally to check up on what they’re up to and lately I noticed a huge improvement in content, but I wasn’t aware that there had been a sale.

I have to admit, I was no big fan of the previous cow. I wrote about it here - John Cow article. Arrogance really ticks me off. So I just wanted to say … welcome … from one cow to another and I’ll be checking out this big cowpetition you’re having.

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With all the problogger sites making obscene amounts of money, it is only natural that other bloggers aspire to follow in their footsteps. Often these bloggers have achieved (at least in their own minds) Guru status. They are the leaders and everyone else, the followers … the wannabees. In a way, I’m a wannabee also. I wannabee rich. By the same token, I’d rather etch out my own path to fame and fortune than go the same route as many of the so called A-listers. I visit them often to see what they are up to and more often that not, they fail to capture my attention. Obviously, they are good at profiteering, but not very good at being interesting. As an example, I’ll use one of the most successful blogs on the Internet … John Chow’s blog. I don’t personally have any gripes against this guy, but to me, this blog is just plain boring. If I have to see one more post about what he eats, I will throw up. Latest topics and headlines from John’s blog:

1. I am featured in the February issue of Entrepreneur magazine. You should be able to find it at your local newsstands now. My article is on page 52. Here is an actual quote from that article: “His blog remains a somewhat banal combination of his money count and what he had for lunch–the blogging equivalent of Seinfeld, the show “about nothing.”

2. The second post is a guest post with some advice on writing:

#1 - Don’t Ever Talk About Being Dugg/Reddited/Stumbled
I don’t know … take a look at the discussions about what social media can do for traffic and you’ll see that maybe this is a good topic if presented correctly.

#2 - Don’t Disclose Failure Unless It’s To Make a Point
Sorry, I disagree. How do we learn if not from our mistakes? Why not share this info so that others can benefit?

#3 - Shout About Your Successes
Used incorrectly, this often just smacks of arrogance and is a real turn-off (see previous post on this)

4 - Write with Authority
Only write with authority if you are an authority. To do so without qualification will just bite you in the ass

#5 - You Don’t Need To Tell The Truth All The Time
Why?

3. The third post down is: First Production Corvette ZR1 Sells for $1 Million
All I have to say is wtf? I came here for the secret. Give me the damned secret.

5. Dine Out Vancouver 2008 - Raincity Grill
Oh my God Noooo … not another meal

The reason they have such a strong following is because they’ve achieved the level of financial success that many bloggers hope to achieve and people keep reading hoping to glean just one golden secret that will launch their site into A-list heaven. Usually, that secret never comes but people have got to believe in a dream so they keep going back to find it.

I ran across this post today by a blogger that just oozes interesting and it is so true … the one thing that many people fail to realize, is that you can’t teach interesting, and unless you’re interesting, your blog probably isn’t going to reach the level of fame and marketability that the A-listers have. Read the rest of this entry »

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There must have been a day when the big name blogs were interesting … otherwise how would they have gotten so rich and famous? I make it a habit to visit other blogs to see what they’re blogging about, and maybe gain some insight into what makes them money. I am consistently bored disappointed when I visit John Chow’s blog, but tonight takes the cake. The newest post is a guest post by John Cow and it is the most arrogant post I’ve ever read on a “make money” blog. Here are some highlights:

Here’s something to think about when you’re dealing with an ‘Internet Celeb’. (Oh we’re so full of ourselves)

1) We’re all just people with a blog. Don’t treat us like rockstars or behave like groupies.
(Glad they told me that … my knees were getting sore from groveling at their hooves feet)

3) Don’t overdo it. Some people just keep mailing and mailing and mailing. At a certain point we’ll get fed up with it. Wouldn’t you? We don’t have all the answers either and we use Google, just like you.
(Ah … such a quandary … the life of a “celebrity cow.” All those annoying, adoring fans. What’s a cow to do?)

4) Its fine if you appreciate our blogs, we love to have you around as a reader and participant in the comments. Just don’t act like you’re worshipping us
(Unless I’m begging you for votes).
(Now they tell me … after I’ve built a shrine in my foyer)

5) Appreciate the fact that you’re not the only one that tries to build some sort of relationship with the blogger. The more known a blog is, the more people will try to do the same. And unfortunately we just can’t all be friends.
(There goes my dream of world peace. Why can’t we all just get along?)

Well, you got the link. Read it for yourself and see if it doesn’t smack of one arrogant cow. After this enlightening, informational post, we get to read one product review after another … we know what John Chow eats and where he eats it (call it “What’s for Chow” John Chow), plus the never-ending ” Web Celeb” contests … they all seem to be running for something and soliciting votes for the latest honor to be bestowed on them, from who has the most subscribers to who has the best design or blog name. Yawn … time for a nap. So tell me, where is the interesting content that people are subscribing for? Where’s the useful tips for making money online? Where’s the beef?

Here’s a post I found today that sums up my feelings and a great Facebook group to join if you feel the same.

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